by Gabrielle DeSantis

The electric trucks are coming. It seems every manufacturer has an electric truck prototype in the works. With the Rivian R1T set for deliveries this fall, it is anyone’s guess which truck will be second to market. The Electrek website wrote a matchup of the three most likely contenders: The Tesla Cybertruck, the F-150 Lightning, and GMC’S Hummer EV. Read on to find out how these electric truck models stack up.

The Tesla Cybertuck Is A Fresh Take On The Future

Tesla Cybertruck | Tesla

The style of the Tesla Cybertruck is divisive: you either love it or hate it. Elon Musk took inspiration from dystopian, “cyberpunk” SciFi of the 1980s (think Bladerunner) as he directed his designers. The resulting prototype is impossible to ignore. This strategy netted Tesla over a million pre-orders of its electric truck.

While every Cybertruck will look the same, with an angular stainless steel exoskeleton, they will not all drive the same. Tesla is selling three very different Cybertrucks. These models are the single motor RWD, dual-motor AWD and tri-motor AWD. 

Tesla advertised an eye-catching price: $39,900–but this is for the RWD base model. The mid-level Cybertruck begins at $49,900 and the top trim at $69,900. Self-driving capability is a popular $10K add-on. 

Tesla has also touted some incredible performance numbers: 800 horsepower, 1,000 lb-ft. of torque, a 2.9 second 0-60, 130 mph top speed, and a 14,000-pound towing capacity. If these jaw-dropping estimates pan out, they will only be for the top-trim Cybertruck. Likewise, the top trim Cybertruck is claiming a 500-mile range, but entry-level truck owners will have to make do with 250 miles.

Elon Musk stuck to his 2021 Cybertruck delivery promise through a couple of fiscal quarters before acknowledging that the first deliveries would be in 2022. After that, Tesla will fulfill all tri-motor truck orders before moving down to dual-motor trucks, finally building entry-level Cybertrucks when they get around to it.

The F-150 Lightning Is A Nostalgic Electric Truck

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum, Lariat, XLT. Pre-production model with available features shown. Available starting spring 2022. How will they compare with the Tesla Cybertruck and GMC Hummer electric truck?
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning | Ford

The original Ford F-150 Lightning was a street-race-ready Special Vehicle Team (SVT) project in the 1990s and early 2000s. SVT moved on to the Raptor, but now Ford is resurrecting the Lightning as an electric truck version of the F-150.

The Ford F-150 Lightning first got the world’s attention by towing a million pounds of train cars. Ford then announced that every Lightning would feature a dual-motor AWD drivetrain. Otherwise, the Lightning looks to line up with the performance numbers of the entry level and mid-trim Cybertrucks.

The top trim lightning will make 563 horsepower and 775 lb-ft. of torque. Its range should be around 300 miles, its tow rating up to 10,000 pounds and its 0-60 time at 4.5 seconds. That should be good enough to trounce the ICE lightning in every measure.

The mid-trim Lightning keeps the two motors but only has 230 miles of range and makes 426 horsepower. The entry-level Lightning shares a pricepoint with the entry-level Cybertruck: $39,974. The mid-trim Lightning is $52,974. No Lightning will be able to perform as well as the tri-motor Cybertruck or the Hummer EV. But prices are expected to march up to the $90,000 Platinum edition. At that price, Lightning owners will just be paying for the leather and the premium sound system.

The GMC Hummer EV Electric Truck Is Over The Top

This is a publicity shot of the GMC Hummer EV. How will it compare to the Tesla Cybertruck and Ford F-150 Lightning electric truck?
The GMC Hummer EV | General Motors

General Motors took a different approach to an electric truck than either Tesla or Ford. During the Superbowl, GMC announced the Hummer resurrected–as an EV. They later admitted they did so without a prototype. Instead, they essentially set their pricepoint at six figures and built out a truck to justify it. But the result may be the next electric truck on the market. The Hummer EV has performance numbers similar to the tri-motor Cybertruck.

General Motors has spent a great deal of time and money producing EV technology. The company claims its Ultium Platform, at the heart of the Chevy Bolt, will power its 2035 lineup. This includes the Cadillac LYRIQ and GMC Hummer EV. We will see whether the recent LG Ultium battery setback will affect this plan.

GMC threw every piece of Ultium technology at the Hummer prototype. The result is a tri-motor beast they claim will make 1,000 horsepower and 11,500 lb-ft. of torque (at the axle). The resulting vehicle can reach 60 mph in three seconds and has a 350-mile range.

The opulent Edition 1 features an infinity roof of removable glass panels and an interior that pays tribute to the moon landings. Unfortunately, it costs $112,595 and is already sold out. Like Tesla, GMC will produce the EV-3X edition by the fall of 2022, then work its way down the $79.995 “base model” sometime in 2024.

How The Hummer EV, Tesla Cybertruck, and Ford F-150 Lightning Electric Truck Stack Up

Driven by next-generation EV propulsion technology, the GMC HUMMER EV will be the first fully electric addition to GMC’s lineup and will bring GM another step closer to an all-electric future.
GMC Hummer Drivetrain | General Motors

Below are the stats on these three electric truck prototypes–as quoted on the manufacturer websites–gathered by Electrek. Compare them side-by-side and decide for yourself which one will be the king of electric trucks.

Cybertruck F150 Lightning GMC Hummer EV
Purchase Price $39,900 / $49,900 / $69,900 $39,974 / $52,974 $79,995 / $89,995 / $99,995
$112,595 (Edition 1)
Availability 2022 Order open Fall 2021
Delivery Spring 2022
Edition 1 – Fall 2021
EV3X – Fall 2022
EV2X – Spring 2023
EV2 – Spring 2024
Powertrain Options Single-Motor RWD / Dual-Motor AWD / Tri-Motor AWD Dual-Motor AWD Dual-Motor AWD / Tri-Motor AWD
Mile Range 250+ mi / 300+ mi / 500+ mi 230 mi / 300 mi (targeted) 300+ mi (SUV) / 350+ (Truck) (est)
Horsepower 800 hp (TBC) 426 hp / 563 hp (targeted) 800 hp (SUV) / 1,000 hp (Truck)
Torque 1,000 lb-ft. (estimated) 775 lb-ft. 7,400 lb-ft. / 11,500 lb-ft. (at axle)
Payload Capacity 3,500 pounds 2,000 pounds TBC
Towing Capacity 7,500 pounds / 10,000 pounds / 14,000 pounds up to 10,000 pounds (targeted) TBC
Top Speed 110 mph / 120 mph / 130 mph TBC TBC
Acceleration (0-60 mph) 6.5 seconds / 4.5 seconds / 2.9 seconds approx. 4.5 seconds 3.5 seconds (SUV) / 3 seconds (Truck)
Seating 6 5 5
Exterior Storage 100 cubic feet TBC TBC

RELATED: Rivian IPO: Backed By Amazon And Ford, Startup Files For $80 Billion

The post Cybertruck VS Ford Lightning VS Hummer EV: Which Electric Truck Will Reign Supreme? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Buying the 2021 Toyota Tundra could be a huge mistake. The Toyota Tundra is one full-size pickup truck most consumers are better off avoiding. Here are three of the biggest reasons you will regret buying a 2021 Toyota Tundra.

The Toyota Tundra simply can’t keep up with the times

The Toyota Tundra | Toyota

Toyota is one of the most innovative automakers when it comes to hybrid powertrains and safety features. The company produces some of the most popular automobiles by keeping up with industry trends and advancements. The Toyota Tundra is becoming a relic of the past because it is one of the few models that has not adapted to the current market. The Tundra is also getting pummeled in full-size trunk rankings in the following categories:

  1. Fuel economy
  2. Safety
  3. Cabin quality

1. Fuel economy

The 2021 Toyota Tundra.
The Toyota Tundra | Toyota

Toyota was one of the first large automakers to mass-produce a vehicle with a hybrid powertrain. The Toyota Prius has been ridiculed, but it is practically unrivaled in fuel economy. Many other Toyota models are beginning to follow suit and are receiving hybrid powertrains of their own. This has made Toyota’s lineup chock full of options with amazing fuel economy.

The Toyota Tundra is becoming the odd man out. The full-size truck gets a measly 13 miles per gallon in the city and a pitiful 17 miles per gallon on the highway. Compared to other Toyota models like the new Rav 4 Prime’s 40 miles per gallon in the city and 36 on the highway, the Tundra is laughable.

Even compared to non-hybrid vehicles in its class, like the 2021 Ford F-150, the Tundra gets 11 less combined miles per gallon. Fuel economy isn’t a strong point for most full-size pickup trucks, but it’s no excuse for having a poor fuel economy. No one wants to spend more of their hard-earned dollars at the gas pump, especially on a Toyota of all things.

2. Safety

The 2021 Toyota Tundra.
The Toyota Tundra | Raymond Boyd via Getty Images

Thanks to new technology, most automakers are designing vehicles to be safer than ever before. New vehicles come with plenty of standard safety features. The 2021 Toyota Tundra is unsafe compared to some of its rivals and even some of its brand mates.

According to U.S. News & World Report, 2021 Toyota Tundras received a below-average safety score. This is disturbing, considering most competitive automakers have worked diligently to design safer trucks. In an age where automakers like Hyundai and even Toyota are including tons of standard safety features at affordable prices, the Tundra is disappointing. Competitors like the 2021 Ram 1500 and 2021 Ford F-150 both received better safety scores.

3. Cabin quality

The 2021 Toyota Tundra.
The Toyota Tundra | Toyota

Many truck owners aren’t looking for cabin quality. However, times are changing, and automakers are stepping up cabin quality in trucks. Companies are using better materials and creating more comfortable cabins for truck owners.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra’s cabin quality is reminiscent of a bygone era. If you are using the Tundra as a work truck, quality may not be a priority, but it is the final nail in the coffin for the truck when coupled with its other shortcomings. Trucks tend to last a long time. Who wants to own a truck with poor cabin quality for years? If you’re going to keep a truck for a long time, a little more comfort and luxury can go a long way toward your overall satisfaction. Tacky plastic components are yet another reason you will regret buying a 2021 Toyota Tundra.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra misses the mark

The 2021 Toyota Tundra.
The Toyota Tundra | Toyota

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The problem is, there are plenty of things wrong with the Toyota Tundra that need fixing. Instead of dramatically improving for a new year, the 2021 Toyota Tundra delivered more of the same.

Poor fuel economy, safety ratings, and cabin quality are this truck’s undoing. The Toyota Tundra’s only saving grace is its 381-horsepower V8 engine. Trucks are about a whole lot more than power today. Hopefully, the 2022 Toyota Tundra will bring about some much-needed changes and improvements. If you are looking for anything other than a powerful old-school work truck, you will regret buying a 2021 Toyota Tundra.

RELATED: The 2021 Toyota Tundra Has 1 Major Problem

The post 3 Reasons You Will Regret Buying a 2021 Toyota Tundra appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Is this an odd-looking beast or what? In some views, it is hard to tell that this is a hovercraft. The VonMercier Arosa Sports Hovercraft, to be exact. It’s amphibious, which means it can be used as either a car or a boat, and will soon be in production.

The Arosa is an all-terrain, amphibious hovercraft for two

VonMercier Arosa hovercraft car | VonMercier

You could call this an all-terrain vehicle traveling on a cushion of air. VonMercier has had this in development for many years, with many iterations. Now, it has settled on the design and plans to produce it in very limited numbers. 

It’s looking to sell 250 over a three-year period for around $95,000. To be honest, that sounds cheap for a limited-production vehicle like this. But the fact remains that even at this price and functionality it is more of a toy than honest transportation. Or is it?

Are hovercraft very maneuverable?

VonMercier Arosa hovercraft car detail
VonMercier Arosa hovercraft car | VonMercier

VonMercier says this is the most maneuverable hovercraft in the world. It features a patented control system that gives the Arosa Sports high maneuverability. Changes in terrain are taken up by the air cushion contained inside of a flexible reinforced skirt.

Tandem open seating means this is a fair-weather vehicle. Those black wheel-looking things on the sides are side thrust intakes. The side decks help keep the water out as you glide along the lake or sea. They also function as additional seating, but not on the highway. 

There are steps and decks to get you in and out in any type of surrounding

VonMercier Arosa hovercraft car interior
VonMercier Arosa hovercraft car | VonMercier

The top decks also allow for easy egress and ingress from a dock, with lower hull decks to get you in and out of the water. There are also recessed side steps for hopping in and out on land. 

Power is from a gas engine that generates electricity for three motors. The battery pack holds extra power for when you stab the trigger. Earlier examples saw 80 mph maximum speeds according to some reports. But that brings up the one missing link for this whole deal.

There are no images of the Arosa actually running

VonMercier Arosa hovercraft car front 3/4 view
VonMercier Arosa hovercraft car | VonMercier

Scouring the internet, there is nothing that shows the Arosa under power. Even videos show only pans of the stationary vehicle. No prototypes or mules are anywhere to be found. Which leads to the question, “Is the VonMercier really real?” 

We’re sure there is much more info available to “members.” MotorBiscuit is not a member. So, while the Arosa sounds fantastic, we will have to wait to see any results. The website says that the prototype should be undergoing testing right now. So when the results of those tests find their way to the site we’ll follow back around because, in theory, this sounds like it could be a lot of fun.

RELATED: For Sale: Bonkers Honda-Powered Amphibious Car Jeep Look-Alike

The post In This Age of Anything Goes How About a Production Hovercraft Supercar? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It’s not quite a car, and it’s not a motorcycle, but the Morgan 3-Wheeler is definitely an experience worth pursuing. But it’s also an experience that’s about to end. At least, that was what many Morgan enthusiasts worried would happen. True, after the P101 Editions are built and sold, the current-gen 3-Wheeler is going away. However, it won’t be gone for good, because there’s a new 3-Wheeler on the way.

Morgan is making a next-gen 3-Wheeler

New Morgan 3-Wheeler testing | Morgan

Apart from the Polaris Slingshot and Vanderhall’s machines, there aren’t many three-wheeled vehicles on sale today that aren’t motorcycles. And even among that limited crowd, the Morgan 3-Wheeler stands out due in part to its vintage-inspired design. However, just because it draws heavily from the past, doesn’t mean that Morgan can’t evolve with the times. And so, it goes for the new 3-Wheeler.

As of this writing, Morgan hasn’t fully unveiled the new 3-Wheeler. But while the heavily camouflaged test vehicle closely follows the current 3-Wheeler’s layout, there are some noticeable differences. The new model—which Morgan says might not even be called ‘3-Wheeler’—has sleeker and sharper rear bodywork and a wider front, MotorTrend says. Its front suspension is different, too, as is the position of the steering rack. The stalk-mounted headlights and three-piece nose bracket, though, are likely only for testing purposes, Motor1 notes.

However, there is another obvious element missing from the upcoming Morgan 3-Wheeler: the engine. One of the key hallmarks of the classic and modern 3-Wheeler is the exposed V-twin, which on the latter is from S&S. Unfortunately, the S&S V-twin’s European emissions exemption is about to expire. And because Morgan is a relatively small automaker, it doesn’t have the resources to develop a Euro-compliant version.

But that doesn’t mean Morgan can’t find another Euro-compliant engine for the new 3-Wheeler.

Three wheels meet three cylinders: the new Morgan 3-Wheeler ditches the V-twin for Ford power

The front view of a 2012 Morgan 3-Wheeler in a car-filled garage
2012 Morgan 3-Wheeler front low | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit

Currently, most of Morgan’s lineup uses BMW engines. The Plus Six, for example, has the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six as the Z4 and the Supra. And the Plus Four—no, not the Plus 4—has the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the current 330i.

However, the new 3-Wheeler won’t use a BMW powerplant. Instead, Morgan is giving it a Ford inline-three engine. As of this writing, though, we don’t know which one. Ford offers two in the US: the EcoSport’s 1.0-liter EcoBoost and the Escape’s and Bronco Sport’s 1.5-liter EcoBoost. The latter engine is also available in Europe in the Fiesta ST and the Puma ST. But there’s also a 1.1-liter EcoBoost inline-three available in the European Ford Fiesta.

A green 2020 Ford Puma ST's 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine
2020 Ford Puma ST 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine | Ford

It’s worth noting that all of these engines are turbocharged in standard form. So, whichever one Morgan picks for the new 3-Wheeler won’t be quite as powerful, because it won’t keep its turbo. Given that the outgoing 3-Wheeler’s power output, MotorTrend believes that the next-gen version will likely have a 1.5-liter engine. And according to Autocar’s report, that appears to be the case.

There is something else that Morgan hasn’t revealed about the new 3-Wheeler, though. While the venture eventually fell apart, there was an electric 3-Wheeler, the EV3, in development at one point. Could that concept return in the new version? At this point, it’s difficult to say. But it’s not necessarily impossible. When the new Plus Six debuted in 2019, Car and Driver said Morgan had “at least one EV” planned. Those plans likely changed with the COVID-19 pandemic, but that doesn’t mean Morgan isn’t open to electric cars.

When can you buy the new model in the US?

Like the current-gen 3-Wheeler, the new model will be sold in the US, Autocar says. But as of this writing, there are no official pricing or availability details. However, Morgan “is confident” that the new 3-Wheeler will debut sometime in 2022, Autocar reports. So, figure a late 2022 or early 2023 US dealer arrival.

There’s still a lot left unknown about the redesigned 3-Wheeler. But fans can take solace in the fact that it’s not disappearing completely.

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The post Cry Tally-Ho: A New 3-Cylinder Morgan 3-Wheeler Is Coming appeared first on MotorBiscuit.